|
 |
Terrifying Tim's Top 10 Halloween Movie Picks
|
|
October 31, 2000 - Tim "Freddy" Wann (Columnist)
Well, it's that time of year again. That rich aroma of latex masks, the sinfully sweet taste of candy apples, the feel of a bowlful of squishy grapes pretending to be eyeballs in some lame haunted house.... ah, it must be HALLOWEEN! The fiendishly evil holiday that gets us no day off of work, but it's so much fun... we don't give a flying batch of entrails, DO WE!? Through this ghoulish season we can annually exercise or inherent fear of blood-curdling supernatural myths, folklore, and legends that have been passed down through the centuries, and settle in for some spine-chilling, good ole' American horror movies! It's no surprise that the video store is about as infested with bad horror films as a corpse is with maggots. But there are a few worthy fright flicks that are worth a look-see... so here's my Top 10 Horror Picks!
|
10. Nightmare Before Christmas
For the more squeamish viewer, or for the dude who has a girlfriend that can't handle horror flicks... no fear! This Tim Burton classic is a true marvel of modern animation, and provides plenty of mild mannered spooks coupled with a great story and brilliant visual effects. Perfect for the holiday, this one is a tale sweeter than a fresh box of candy corn and aimed at all ages. Should be a breeze to find in any video store, and this one was also recently released on DVD with lots of extra goodies to check out.
|
|
9. Creepshow
This Steven King screenplay, comprised of 5 short tales of gore and fright, has been a favorite of mine for years. It shows a little age since it was made in 1982, but that hasn't tarnished it's ghoulish charm. This one has a well rounded and recognizable cast and has that creepy King touch. Creepshow is based on the golden age comic book by the same title, so prepare for some laughs, scares, and odd comic book-esque cinematography. This one gets really creepy at the end, capping off the film with a tale based on cockroaches. Sure to give even the toughest horror veteran the willies. This one is available on both VHS and DVD.
|
|
8. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
While not too high on the fright scale, Frankenstein is very well directed, and artistically wallows in it's heartbreaking quagmire of tragedy. No big bolts in the neck or square loaf pans for shoes here... this Frankenstein is given flesh by none other than Robert DeNiro... complemented by Kenneth Branagh and Helena Bonham Carter. In the same vein as Interview with a Vampire (as seen further up on this list), this is one horror novel-gone-screenplay that is a rare cinematic success. And one of my favorites in terms of style. VHS and DVD availability.
|
|
7. The Crow
This one is more of an action film rather then horror, but gets tons of Halloween points for style, coolness, and for actually taking place on All Hollow's Eve. The late, great Brandon Lee stars in this dreamlike tale of tragedy and gives some good food for thought on why you should never kill someone and his girlfriend. A truly enchanting film that is fueled by dark cinematography and a poetic script. This is just an excellent movie that can be easily enjoyed by both horror and action fans alike. pick it up on VHS or DVD
|
|
6. American Werewolf in London
Brought to life by 80's special effects master John Landis (the man behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video), this flick is dripping with fantastic, blood splattering, hair raising visuals. Again, it might look a bit dated to some of you youngins, but don't forget that this movie pioneered the art of man-to-wolf morphing without the help of CGI effects and also has a bad ass plot! So, take that one to the bank, holmes! Not only does it rock visually, but it also taps into the struggle of morality and the sheer pain of morphing that our friendly neighborhood shape shifter has to confront. VHS and DVD for this one too folks, but the DVD is rare.
|
|
5. Return of the Living Dead
My personal favorite horror movie of all time. The only reason it isn't #1 on this list is because of it's rarity. Good luck finding this one, it's been out of print for years, and only older video chains are bound to house a copy. And no sign of a DVD release either! But if you do find it on VHS, GET IT! This is one of those early 80's masterpieces that not only delivers excellent special effects, but also a decent plot and sharp humor. How rare is that in an 80's splatter flick!?! If that isn't enough, then let me put it to you this way: Killer zombies, Punk-rock soundtrack, and Linnea Quigley dancing nude on top of a headstone! Nuff said?!? MORE BRAINS!!!!
|
|
4. Interview with a Vampire
You don't have to be a chick to enjoy seeing heartthrobs Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise run around sucking on necks. This one is truly a marvel to see. Fantastic art direction, great screenplay, and a star-studded cast make Interview one of the finest horror efforts ever produced. Based on Ann Rice's novel of the same title, this one really drives a stake through the heart of bad vampire films. Fantastically eerie, visually gorgeous, and doused with brilliant dialogue, Interview is a treat even for non-horror fans. VHS and DVD (Special Edition available).
|
|
3. Hellraiser II: Hellbound
Gore fanatics set to revel in stomach churning bliss. The sequel to Clive Barker's "Hellraiser" is better then its predecessor in many aspects. Plus enough of the original plot is revealed while dragging you through this nightmare that you don't really need to see the first film to truly enjoy it. The effects are brilliantly stunning and almost considered the measure when comparing other films in this genre. Producing one of horror's greatest icons, the spokesman for Home Depot himself, Pinhead, Hellraiser II is a lot of fun and fright for the horror buff. Grab the unrated version if you can find it, and this one just came out as a DVD 2-pack with Hellraiser I & II as well.
|
|
2. Sixth Sense
If you haven't seen this one yet... then you must be dead and buried anyway. It's only the highest grossing horror movie of all time! Box Office gross aside, this one truly deserves the money it made. One of the most chilling movies I've seen in a long time, and it doesn't rely on cheesy special effects to scare the Beelzebub out of you. It uses plot..... HEY! What an idea!!! Genuine spooks, intriguing story, and solid acting make this one nearly perfect. VHS and DVD... but see it on DVD.
|
|
1. The Exorcist
If you aren't the church-going type, this shocker might convert you. Considered one of the greatest horror films of all time, this classic tells the true story of a girl cursed with demonic possession. Got Satan? One of the only movies to ever scare me enough not to finish watching it... so don't even ask me how it ends. Yeah, I know, I'm a big wuss. But this is a material world, and I'm a material girl. Hey, this one was recently re-released in theaters, and it's the director's cut too! So see it how it was meant to be seen... on the big screen. That way you can really examine all the chunks in that pea soup she's spewing from her demonic mouth. Also available on VHS and DVD for wimps like me who can't see it in the theater.
|
|
|
|
Opinions, we all have them. Our's is not the same as yours. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. The point is, if you don't agree fine. If you do agree, even better. Just realize this: everything said on these pages, is an opinion, and should be taken as such. If you are offended by what is said, just don't come back. Please do not resort to childish flaming or spamming of our message board or monk.e.mail address below, but do feel free to drop us a line with any intelligent comments you may have.
Thanks,
Brad & Tim. |
DMLives@gmail.com
|
